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Fashion Speak: Man Repeller

MAN REPELLER: n./phrase, pron. man ri-pel-ur:: Outfitting oneself in a sartorially offensive way that will result in repelling members of the opposite sex, as defined by Leandra Medine, author of a blog by the same name.

The lovely lasses over at The Frisky have discovered my latest blog obsession: The Man Repeller. Leandra clarifies her manifesto by sharing a few items that are worthy of this Fashion Speak title: "Such garments include but are not limited to harem pants, boyfriend jeans, overalls (see: human repelling), shoulder pads, full length jumpsuits, jewelry that resembles violent weaponry and clogs.” Her blog is an online catalog of everything and anything, from runway looks to celebrity styles, that might make a man run for the hills in confusion, delusion, and fear of under-exposure.

I once heard a fellow fashion editor refer to Marni (that's a look from the fall 2010 collection, above), as "the world's best man repellent," and I can't disagree, even though it's one of the labels I'm obsessed with. I wouldn't say I'm an intentional male repeller, but I've definitely worn my fair share of outfits that make my not-terribly-fashion-savvy boyfriend scratch his head. The knee socks I tried out a couple of months ago? He didn't get 'em. My great aunt's old fur coat that I plan to cut the sleeves off of and wear as a long vest? Equally vexing. And in my single days, my girlfriends sometimes had to remind me that first dates may not always be the most appropriate venue to try out patchwork jackets with studded boots.

What do you ladies think of The Man Repeller? Are you ever guilty of dressing in stuff that you know will turn guys off on purpose? What are some of your favorite Man Repeller outfits? Discuss!